HSK 6
数词+形容词+量词
shù cí + xíng róng cí + liàng cí
Structure: Numeral + Adjective + Measure word
Explanation
This is a structure that inserts a short adjective between a numeral and a measure word (words indicating counting units, like 'cái, con, quyển' in Vietnamese) in order to both count and describe a feature of the thing.
numeral + monosyllabic adjective + measure word + noun (e.g. 一大杯茶 yí dà bēi chá = a large cup of tea; 一长串葡萄 yì cháng chuàn pútáo = a long bunch of grapes; 一小份米饭 yì xiǎo fèn mǐfàn = a small portion of rice).
used when you want to clearly state the size or shape of a thing right as you count it, usually with food and objects. The numeral is almost always 一 (yī = one), and the adjective is usually a monosyllabic word like 大 (dà = large), 小 (xiǎo = small), 长 (cháng = long), 厚 (hòu = thick).
Vietnamese learners often place the adjective in the wrong spot, for example saying 一杯大茶 (wrong) instead of 一大杯茶; the adjective must come BEFORE the measure word, not before the noun. Also, you should not use a disyllabic adjective (like 漂亮 piàoliang) in this frame.
Examples
a large cup of tea, a long bunch of grapes, a small portion of rice
Learn “数词+形容词+量词” effectively
The grammar point “数词+形容词+量词” (Structure: Numeral + Adjective + Measure word) is one of the key structures at HSK 6. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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